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Netherlands

Netherlands: Language and intakes

Language requirements and application intakes in Netherlands.

Language requirements and intakes

Language requirement
No national standard. Each institution/programme sets its own English test. Study in NL lists accepted tests: Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency), IELTS, LanguageCert, Pearson PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC. Verified ranges: bachelor IELTS 6.0-6.5 (TU Delft 6.5, TU/e 6.5, VU 6.5, UvA Psychology 6.5, Groningen 6.0-7.0 by level); master IELTS 6.5 (TU/e, WUR, Leiden Astronomy) up to 7.0 (Groningen Level 3). TOEFL iBT scale changed 21 Jan 2026 (1-6 scale; typically 4.5 equals old 90-92). Online/home tests often not accepted; results valid 2 years.
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Intakes and deadlines
Main intake is September; February intake exists only for some programmes (e.g. UvA MSc Business Administration, WUR five MSc programmes, Leiden master's, Utrecht master's). National Studielink deadlines: 15 January (numerus fixus) and 1 May (others) 23:59; non-EU applicants needing a visa often face earlier deadlines (UvA 1 April, Utrecht 1 April, VU 1 April, TU Delft MSc 15 January).
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Language and exam preparation →

What to watch for in Language and intakes

  • Verify the language tests and minimum scores your target programme accepts.
  • Plan the validity of the result around your application and visa dates.
  • A programme taught in the local language may need a separate language-proficiency timeline.

Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.

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